Shock as coach quits ahead of EURO cup tie

The shock departure of Shakhtyor Soligorsk coach Sergei Borovsky will have little bearing on the Europa League first leg clash at Mourneview Park on Thursday night says Gary Hamilton.

The Glenavon player manager does not feel the disruption will knock the Belarusian Premier League side off their focus ahead of the game.

“If anything I think it may have a positive effect for them,” says Hamilton.

“Sometimes when managers or coaches depart usually the team bounces back. The players want to impress the new manager. In this case the assistant is in charge and they will want to impress him.

“I think they will be quite confident coming here and getting a result, but that could help us as sometimes confidence can lead to arrogance. It’s going to tough for us to get a result never mind thinking of qualifying. I have told the boys at the very least hopefully we can get two very good games out of it.

“It would be great if we can keep the tie alive, to be able to have something to play for going to Belarus, but we are realistic and set achievable targets and if we give it 100 per cent you never know in football.”

An early goal for Glenavon is not necessarily the target for Hamilton. “Early goals don’t really mean much in today’s game. I remember playing an Irish Cup final against underdogs Larne. They scored first and ended up getting tanked 5-1 so I would much prefer to keep it 0-0 and then score with five to go giving them little time to counter.”

Borovsky’s departure at Shakhtyor has given his assistant, former player Sergey Nikiforenko, the chance to stake a claim for the post.

Borovsky said he felt he had lost contact with the team and saw no reason to continue.

Having won just one of their last six matches Borovsky said he probably over-reacted, preparing the team for European competition. In Soligorsk it is felt he made a hasty decision but his resignation will not affect the two games against Glenavon.

One of their key players is Vasili Kobin, but the good news is his loan from Shakhtar Donetsk ended on June 30.

However, they will have prolific goalscorer Nikolai Yanush playing in Lurgan.

With a large home support getting behind the team you never know. Get those banners and flags out and get behind the team. Kick-off 7.45.